Crown Center Announces Upcoming Events

The Crown Center has announced the following upcoming events:

October 30 - December 30
"SHREK The Musical"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Shrek is the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey, a feisty princess and a cast of fairy tale misfits. It's a story of adventure, friendship and ogre love that's bringing ugly back! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

November 1
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 1 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 2. 816-274-8444.

November 2
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 40th season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating, coffee and hot chocolate from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Hours during February and March: noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 10, 2013.)

November 3
"Sugar Crash Carnival: A Halloween Hangover"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Egads Theatre Co. returns to Off Center Theatre with what promises to be an off-center production! 816-842-9999 or egadstheatre.com.

November 2 - December 23
"Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas Musical"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. With the winnings from Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes, the Sisters of Mount St. Helens are on the verge of taping their first-ever Christmas TV special! And nothing goes as planned, resulting in an uproariously funny spoof of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet, zany renditions of classic Christmas carols, a send-up of The Village People, a Catholic home shopping network, and more! Starring Debra Bluford and Kenny Remmert. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 3
THE PRESIDENTS! On Tour
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. The Coterie Theatre presents "Forty-four Presidents in 45 Minutes!" The interactive show follows two secret service agents as they fly around the country in Air Force One, singing songs about our leaders and historical events. This fast-paced performance is a roller coaster of knowledge and humor for parents and kids alike-a perfect complement to any study of current events, including the presidential election and coming inauguration. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

November 3
Screenland Slams- "Tremors"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Kevin Bacon's "Tremors." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

November 10
An Evening with Christopher Sanders
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Join Musical Theater Heritage for an evening of musical theater starring Christopher Sanders, star of MTH's productions of "Kiss Me Kate" and "Evita." All proceeds benefit Musical Theater Heritage. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-35. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 17
"EVOLVE"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Belly Dance United produces innovative US-style bellydance shows breaking away from what is considered "traditional" bellydance by incorporating comedy, acting, modern dance and other ancient dance traditions. 573-864-4710 or bellydanceunited.com.

November 19
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 23
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
Crown Center Shops, Grand Boulevard entrance. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 23
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, one of the nation's tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. Mayor Sly James and a celebrity guest will flip the switch to light the tree. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

November 23 - December 31
Santa's Crayola® Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 23 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 23 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Kansas City and Sheraton Kansas City hotels. See the reindeer stable, Santa's sleigh garage, the elves' dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Claus' home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 23 - January 3
Family Fun Holiday Movies
Screenland Crown Center offers classic family movies during the holiday season. The lineup: "Elf" (November 23-25 and 29), "The Smurfs" (November 30-December 2 and December 6), "Arthur Christmas" (December 7-9 and 13), "The Polar Express" (December 14-16 and 20), "A Christmas Story" (December 21-24 and 26-27), "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (December 28-31 and January 1-3). Showtime is 2 p.m. $5 admission includes small popcorn and juicebox or small soft drink. 816-545-8034 or screenland.com/crowncenter.

November 26 - December 14
Weekday Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444 or CrownCenter.com/Choirs.

December 1, 8, 15
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December. The lineup: The La La's (December 1), Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-Rappers (December 8), The Doo-Dads (December 15). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

December 6-23
"A Spectacular Christmas"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Musical Theater Heritage's holiday show features a sackful of classic Christmastime songs from movies and musicals. It is funny, heartfelt, and sentimental, and features many of KC's best-loved local performers. The performances will move you, and it's perfect for the family at Christmastime! 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

January 11 - February 24, 2013
"The Hound of the Baskervilles"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A wildly funny adaptation of the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story of mystery and suspense. An ancient family curse, a spectral hound and a deranged killer on the loose. One after another, the male heirs of the Baskerville family are being knocked off. Sherlock Holmes, the "greatest detective of all time", sends Dr. Watson to the countryside in order to prevent more bloodshed, and naturally, mayhem of various kinds ensues. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

January 18 - February 17, 2013
"Menopause The Musical"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. American Heartland Theatre presents its first-ever production at Off Center Theatre, bringing a smash hit back to Crown Center theatregoers. Enjoy more than 21 hilarious parodies of 60s and 70s tunes. With songs such as "Stayin' Alive" and "Puff, My God I'm Draggin'," you'll be cheering and dancing in the aisles. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

January 22 - February 21, 2013
"Number The Stars"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Based on the Newbery Medal winning book by Lois Lowry. During World War II, the Johansen family faces soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs and the loss of loved ones to help their neighbors, the Rosens, escape across the ocean to safety in Sweden. Based on true actions during the Holocaust. Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

February 2 - May 5, 2013
FUNVILLE: What do you want to be?
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. What do you want to be when you grow up-a zookeeper, an astronaut, a firefighter, a school teacher, a veterinarian, a football player, a racecar driver or even the President of the United States? Kids can experience all these grown-up occupations and more, in a kid friendly environment. They can forecast the weather, do magic tricks, work in a barbershop, ride a tractor and even ride a bull. In "FUNVILLE," the most important job is to have fun! The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

February 11, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

February 23 - March 10, 2013
"Tell-Tale Electric Poe"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. One actor and one musician performing Poe stories and poems with musical lines and retorts from a reactive electric guitar! Horrifying and humorous, this sublime creation blends old with new, and includes three famous Poe poems and two short stories dramatized ("Pit and the Pendulum," "Tell-Tale Heart"). Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

March 7-24, 2013
"Slashdance"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A world premiere Coterie At Night presentation, directed by Ron MeGee. "Flashdance" meets the cannibalistic hoards! Alexis Bowens is a welder by day, dancer by night. Nothing's going to stop her dream of getting into a real dance company, not event a giant herd of fast-moving, virus-infecting human cannibals! (PG-13 production. No one under 13 admitted.) 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

March 8 - April 21, 2013
"Life Could Be A Dream"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. In a time before "American Idol", The Crooning Crabcakes enter the talent search hosted by the Big Whopper Radio competition in hopes of realizing their dreams of making it to the big time. Trouble comes in the form of Lois, who arrives to put some polish on the group-and hilarious heartaches ensue! Featuring "Stay" (just a Little Bit Longer), "Earth Angel," "Unchained Melody," "Only You," and more than 20 other doo-wop hits. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

March 28 - April 14, 2013
"Sundays in the Park with George"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. This Stephen Sondheim musical won two Tony Awards and the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

April 9 - May 24, 2013
"Bud, Not Buddy"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. It's the Great Depression, and times could be hard for Bud after the loss of his mother. But nothing can stop Bud (not "Buddy") from finding the man he believes to be his father-jazz composer and musicIan Herman E. Calloway. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 15, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

April 24-25, 2013
Young Playwrights' Festival
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Featuring a collection of works by the city's best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

May 10 - June 23, 2013
"Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her scrumptious sidekick, Paco, share with you their outrageously funny advice and "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage! Learn a thing or two ... like how to have a perfect kiss (it's all about lip position)...what you should and should not talk about on a date (don't mention your troll doll collection)...and how to let a man think he wears the pants. You'll be laughing about love all night long! A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 18, 2013
Heart of America Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar, Austin Healey and MGA owners from around the region will display their cars and have them judged for awards in many classes. Presented by the Heart of America Jaguar Club. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 25 - September 8, 2013
Curious George™: Let's Get Curious!
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Sponsored by 3M and created by Minnesota Children's Museum together with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margaret Rey's classic stories and inspired by the animated television series on PBS KIDS, visitors can operate wheels to help George climb a building, sort and weigh fruits and vegetables at the produce stand, use science skills to putt a hole of mini golf, have their picture taken with the rocket from George's space adventure and much more. The exhibit is open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 25-26, 2013
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square. Returning for a sixth fantastic year, featuring national and local children's entertainers. Many kids activities to enjoy. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com for more event hours and ticket prices.

June 1, 2013
HospitAl Hill Run
Crown Center Square. This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square. 7 a.m. For registration information, call 816-274-8444 or visit HospitalHillRun.com.

June 8-9, 2013
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival's 13th year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 booths. Regular festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 17, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

June 18 - August 4, 2013
"Lyle the Crocodile"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. What a croc! Loveable Lyle livens up a summer's day. The Primm family is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 21-23, 2013
Fiesta Kansas City
Crown Center Square. Celebrate Hispanic culture at this 14th annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Check FiestaKansasCity.com or call 816-472-6767 for event hours and ticket prices.

July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2013
July Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 12 - August 25, 2013
"The Bikinis - A New Beach Party Musical"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Back together after 20 years - four best friends are bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk...all to raise money for the good folks at Sandy Shores on Florida's Gold Coast. Filled with such hits as "It's In His Kiss", "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini", "Heat Wave", "Under the Boardwalk", "These Boots are made for Walking", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "When Will I Be Loved", "I Will Survive", "It's Raining Men" and many more. A Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

July 19-28, 2013
KC Fringe Festival
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Now in its ninth year, the KC Fringe Festival is a city-wide celebration of local, regional and national artists. Visit KCFringe.org for details about events to be held at Off Center Theatre.

July 29, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 8-25, 2013
"Helly, Dolly!"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Musical Theater Heritage. Starring Deb Bluford and Gary Neal Johnson. A whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the 20th century, following the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker. 816-842-9999 or MTHKC.com.

August 30 - September 1, 2013
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square and Off Center Theatre. Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock. Off Center Theatre will host Irish comics. Call 816-561-7555 or visit KCIrishFest.com for hours and ticket information.

September 9, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

October 11 - November 3, 2013
"The Rocky Horror Show"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Egads Theatre Co. marks the 40th anniversary of "The Rocky Horror Show" with this production at Off Center Theatre. A newly engaged couple, caught in a storm, visit the home of a mad scientist unveiling his new creation, Rocky Horror. 816-842-9999 or egadstheatre.com .

November 25, 2013
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

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